China: Officials to require quarantine for more areas of mainland China as of Jan. 4 /update 28

Event

Macau has expanded quarantine requirements to more medium- and high-risk areas of mainland China as of Jan. 4. Authorities will require travelers from affected locations to quarantine for 14 days at designated hotels. As of Jan. 4, the requirement is in place for travelers who have visited the following locations:

• Beijing: Dashanzi and Jiuxianqiao in Chaoyang District, and Nanfaxin, Gaoliying, Shengli Street, Nancai, and Renhe in Shunyi District

• Liaoning Province: Dalian and parts of Shenyang city, including Beiling Street and China Resources Oak Bay in Zhonghai City; Jiye Baihuayuan, Chemical complex, Minglian Street in Huanggu District; and Shentiexinggong, Beierdon Road in Tiexi District; and Jiayuan District

• Heilongjiang Province: Dongning town, Suifenhe City; Aihui District, Heihe City; and Dongning city, Mudanjiang City

• Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region: Gaochang District, Turpan

Macau authorities have lifted quarantine requirements for travelers from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, and Hulunbuir City in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The government could adjust the list of affected locations at short notice.

Officials continue to ban most foreign nationals from entering Macau. Exceptions are in place for some foreign nationals related to Macau residents, students, and essential workers. Authorities require a 21-day quarantine for all arrivals outside of Taiwan and mainland China.

Authorities allow residents of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau to enter the territory if they have not been to any other locations in the previous 21 days. Individuals from low-risk areas of mainland China must submit a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken within seven days upon arrival. Travelers from Hong Kong must submit a negative COVID-19 test issued within 24 hours of arrival and undergo 21 days of quarantine under medical observation. Visitors from Taiwan need to submit a negative COVID-19 test administered within seven days of arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travelers must pay quarantine fees of USD 700; locals are exempt from the quarantine fee for their first entry but must pay for subsequent quarantine periods unless traveling for select purposes.

Officials have introduced a closed management system with Hong Kong for cargo crews; the program exempts shipping crew members from quarantine regulations as long as they undergo COVID-19 testing weekly, maintain adequate health standards, and refrain from disembarking in Hong Kong.

Domestic Restrictions
Macau still requires COVID-19 testing for people attending social gatherings of more than 400 people. Facemasks remain mandatory in casinos, government offices, and on public transport. Thermal scanners are in place at all entry points into Macau, casinos, and many other businesses. Transport between Macau and Hong Kong remains available only via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Several airlines have suspended flights at Macau International Airport (MFM); further flight cancellations are possible amid low demand.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Consider postponing travel to Macau if impacted by travel restrictions. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings. Delay travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny, immigration delays, or mandatory quarantine. Confirm reservations and business appointments.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Macau Health Bureau (Chinese and Portuguese)
Macau Higher Education Bureau